Forceps Trigger Rib Structure for Actuator Splay Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical devices, including forceps, face challenges in reducing packaging space, simplifying design and manufacturing, improving user experience, increasing stability, and preventing damage.
Innovation Solution
The development of a medical device with a handpiece that includes an actuation system to control an end effector, featuring a drive shaft motion transfer assembly with a drive body, clip, spring, and rotational actuator, which enhances the control and stability of the end effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional forceps design is used, then packaging space is larger and design is more complex, but control and stability of the end effector are sufficient for basic operations
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is divided into separate functional modules: a drive shaft for transmitting motion, a motion transfer assembly with camming jaws for converting rotational motion to linear motion, and an end effector with independently controllable jaws. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall design complexity while improving control precision and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps incorporates dynamic actuation mechanisms including a rotatable drive shaft that can be actuated through different positions to control jaw opening and closing. The camming jaws provide dynamic motion transfer that adapts to different tissue engagement requirements, enhancing control stability without requiring overly complex static structures.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional actuation systems are used, then packaging space is larger, but ease of operation is adequate for standard procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps design employs nested components where the motion transfer assembly is positioned within the drive shaft housing, and the end effector components are nested within the overall forceps structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the packaging footprint while maintaining all necessary actuation functions for ease of operation during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system is designed with multi-functional capabilities: the same drive shaft and motion transfer mechanism control both jaw opening/closing and blade extension. This universal actuation approach reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing packaging space while preserving comprehensive operational capability for various surgical tasks.
3Ease of manufacture
If simplified design is implemented, then manufacturing is easier and packaging space is reduced, but stability and damage prevention may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The motion transfer assembly combines multiple functions into integrated components: the camming jaws are formed as part of the drive shaft assembly, and the blade extension mechanism is integrated with the jaw actuation system. This merging reduces the number of separate parts requiring manufacturing and assembly, simplifying production while maintaining structural stability through cohesive design.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps incorporates built-in mechanical stops and限位 features in the actuation system that prevent over-travel and excessive force application. These protective elements are integrated into the simplified design, ensuring that even with reduced structural complexity, the device maintains adequate stability and protection against damage during normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed solution improves the control and stability of medical devices, reduces packaging space, simplifies design and manufacturing, enhances user experience, and prevents damage to the forceps.
Implementation Method 1
a drive shaft motion transfer assembly with a drive body, clip, spring, and rotational actuator
Data Source
AI summary
Forceps with improved actuation include a housing and a body that is longitudinally slidable relative to the housing. The body having a peripheral flange extending outward towards the housing. A trigger includes an actuation surface configured to receive a force input from a user. The trigger further including at least one arm configured to transfer the received force input to the body. To inhibit lateral splaying of the at least one arm when the trigger is actuated, the housing includes a first control surface, such as a rib proximate the arm.